Three NFL Teams That Will Decline In 2023
Several NFL teams finished with very good records in 2022. Unfortunately, due to the change in power over the course of the offseason, not all of them will be as good as last year. Let’s take a look at three teams that could decline from where they finished a year ago. All three could very well make the playoffs again this year, but the path will likely be more challenging.
Philadelphia Eagles
Any team that comes off a Super Bowl loss is hungrier than ever to get back. Unfortunately, for the Eagles, there best chance was likely last year. The Eagles will have the toughest schedule in the entire league and had significant roster turnover during the offseason due to the salary cap. Additionally, the offense and defense will be led by new coordinators.
The key pieces are still in place for the Eagles including a dominant offensive line, MVP runner up quarterback Jalen Hurts, and the wide receiver tandem of A.J. Brown and Devonta Smith. However, changes at running back and on defense will be something to watch. While the Eagles should still be among the best in the NFC this year, they’ll have a hard time winning 14 games again.
Minnesota Vikings
The Vikings were just one of two division winners in 2022 to finish with a negative points differential. Somehow, they finished the year with a 13-4 record as they went 11-0 in one possession games. When the competition heated up, the team was not able to rise to the occasion. The Vikings were bounced out in the first round of the playoffs by the New York Giants.
Minnesota should be able to compete well in a wide-open NFC North, but they are unlikely to go 11-0 in one possession games again. This could ultimately lead to a decline in the win-loss column. The passing game should be a strength for the team as quarterback Kirk Cousins will lead the offense with the addition of first-round draft pick WR Jordan Addison joining All-Pro Justin Jefferson.
Buffalo Bills
The Bills are likely in the toughest division in all of football this upcoming season. They won the AFC East last year with a 13-3 record, but their competition will heat up in 2023. A Miami Dolphins team led by a healthy Tua Tagovailoa is one to watch. The New York Jets added Aaron Rodgers as their starting quarterback in the offseason. The New England Patriots still have Bill Belichick as their head coach and quarterback Mac Jones who is looking to regain his form from his Pro-Bowl rookie season.
Buffalo was close to a Super Bowl appearance in the 2020 season but fell short against the Kansas City Chiefs in the AFC Championship Game. Since then, they have not been able to get out of the divisional round. The Bills best window of opportunity has likely closed with the competitive teams around the AFC around them. They’ll still be a good team, but it’s difficult to see them going 13-3 or better.
Looking Ahead To The 2023 NFL Season
The season is quickly approaching with training camp starting at the end of the month. It will be interesting to see if these three teams can remain at the top, or if the teams around them will cause them trouble.
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